Go West I - The Road Trip

Mt. Sneffels, near Ouray, Colorado  © Doug Hickok All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view)



Becky and I just returned from a 24 day road trip to Western parts of the U.S.  Our main goal was to visit friends and family (34 to be precise, in 9 cities). Needless to say along the way we encountered spectacular settings, either driving, hiking or picnicking. We drove 5,824 miles through 13 states and 3 time zones. The highest elevation reached was 12,183 feet along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The highest temperature was 104˚F on our first day of tent camping in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas. And the oddest sight was a stand of 6 shaggy black yaks on a ranch outside of Ouray, Colorado.

But enough with the numbers. I am excited to bring you the photography. Over the next few weeks I will post an assortment of road trip pictures taken during our Western adventure. I hope you enjoy the views.

Today's image shows a mountain valley leading to Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, near Ouray (self-labeled "Switzerland of America"). Our destination here was the hiking trail that led to a turquoise alpine lake, in a basin below the snowy peaks seen above. I chose this image to start the Go West series because of the simple beauty of this mountain landscape, so representative of Colorado. The fresh green hues of the quaking aspens especially caught my eye.


And finally, thanks to everyone for your visits to our blog during our absence. They are very much appreciated!